Game Prediction: HOU 17, NO 24

Update: Joe Horn's sprained knee has kept him out of practice but he is expected to make at least one catch and extend his record for catches in consecutive games to 70. Just do not rely on him to produce much more than that. Horn seems likely to play but would be limited and possibly a decoy.

The Texans certainly know how to challenge history. Now two years old, they are the only team that has a perfect winning record on opening day and in both they were double digit underdogs. Until last week, the Dolphins had won their last 11 season openers and were 29-4 at home in September since 1970.

David Carr not only threw for 266 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, he was in Miami and left without being sacked. Carr made nice use of rookie Andre Johnson (6-76) and found Corey Bradford on a 78 yard touchdown catch made possible by a poor tackling angle. Jabbar Gaffney's move to the slot also paid off with three catches for 70 yards. In total, the three wideouts had 231 yards receiving against a stingy Miami defense playing at home.

Stacey Mack rushed 27 timed for 89 yards in the game and was spelled by Domanick Davis who added 36 yards on his six carries. HC Dom Capers was impressed with the half dozen runs by Davis that included a nifty 15 yard gain. Jonathan Wells was made inactive for the game since he was recovering from a turf toe injury.

The Texans defense held Ricky Williams to 69 yards on 17 carries though Williams scored on a 35 yard pass. Overall, it was an inspired game against a team that actually thought they could mail in a game in the NFL. Not so anymore.

The Saints come off a disappointing thumping in Seattle 27-10, much different than last year when they opened by beating the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. The Saints trailed 24-0 entering the fourth quarter and received stat-saving numbers largely during trash time.

Aaron Brooks threw for 274 yards and one touchdown to Joe Horn who had seven receptions for 83 yards in the game. Donte' Stallworth had eight catches for 101 yards but the passing numbers were greatly inflated considering that Brooks threw 47 passes in the game that was out of hand by halftime. Joe Horn injured his knee in the game and though an MRI showed no structural damage, he is currently questionable for this game.

Deuce McAllister rushed for 99 yards on 22 carries and added 35 more yards on eight catches. The problem with the Saints was less offensive than it was that their defense was unable to stop the Seahawks, Shaun Alexander in particular. New Orleans had three fumbles that gave away field position and once the flurry of Seattle scoring happened in the second quarter, the game was already out of reach.

While the Saints lost DE Darren Howard to a wrist injury, LB Derrick Rodgers will return this week after his one week suspension.

Last year the Texans beat the Cowboys on opening day and then followed that up with a 24-3 loss to the Chargers. These Texans are a much better team than last year but the Saints back at home will get back on track. Look for Houston to have some success running the ball with Mack but for the Saints to get the lead and then ride it home with McAllister.